The story of Melencio Malomay began in the Philippines as a police officer committed to protecting his community. Looking for ways to provide for his family, he came to Ingalls wanting to work with security, but other opportunities came about instead.
“Security was always my passion, but Ingalls offered me a job as a shipfitter,” said Melencio. “ Eleven years ago, I didn’t know anything about it but they trained me and paid me while I was learning, so I was all for it.”
Going through the shipfitting apprenticeship program, Melencio obtained a thirst for shipyard knowledge. His hunger to achieve great success with the company elevated him to a management role as a shipfitting foreman.
“I share my talent and skills of what I’ve learned with my team," said Melencio. "I treat it just like our products in the shipyard. We take pride in watching things come to life here, and I do the same when it comes to helping shipbuilders in their professional development.”
In his role, Melencio sets his crew up to execute their jobs in the proper working condition, ensuring every job is done with first-time quality and in a timely manner.
“It’s critical to be on top of everything, especially measurement concerning outfitting, which is a whole lot different from the structure,” said Melencio. “Measurements and alignments have to be precise to ensure the product is done right.”
Melencio appreciates his position in the shipyard because he still gets to apply what he learned as an investigator back in the Philippines.
“I still get to teach people right from wrong, how to grow and how to do things the right way,” said Melencio. “It’s a commitment to myself to make sure these things happen.”
This commitment isn’t just for Melencio, but for everyone who shares his heritage. From his son who is currently serving this nation in the military, to Asian and Pacific Islanders in the shipyard, and to his family back in the Philippines, Melencio is living the American dream and Ingalls is the landing spot for opportunity.
“This company gives you a chance to prove yourself,” said Melencio. “And to be recognized in this manner lets me know my journey is paying off.”
Ingalls is committed to attracting diverse talent and strives to develop every shipbuilder to help them be successful. When we feel respected and supported, we are able to do our best work. By celebrating diversity in the workplace, spreading awareness about things that matter to you and encouraging advocacy, we ensure that every shipbuilder’s voice is heard and that we all have a place to BELONG.